Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1887-04-21
HIS LAST GOOD" DEED.
A "Hero," and Why Young Cir
Would Save Him.
" Please stop here.'


"Please stop here!''
The street car stopped and young
girl stepped out. The car went on and
the girl stood hesitatingly a moment
on the crossing, as if uncertain in which
direction to 60. But in moment she
recovered from her uncertainty and
walked briskly down a side street,
which was sparsely lighted by few
flickerng street lamps and seemed
very dark in comparison with the
brilliantly-ighted avenue she had just
left 1t was only six or seven blocks
TO her home on University place. but
the street was dark and deserted and
she felt her heart flutter little every
time she passed one Of the dark abyss
NAL alleys that opened into the street
She was just thinking how foolish she
had been to leave aunt's before Fred
came; but, just the little element of
danger in going alone had attracted
her. and. pooh! she was not afraid any
way; besides it was only few blocks
more, now. She trembled little,
however. as the black mouth of anoth-
~er alley doomed up in a few feet ahead.
There was none in sight or hearing on
the street. She stared straight ahead.
mot daring to look on either side.
Not a sound. nor a step further. or
I'll kill you!' croaked hoarse voice
in her ear. Before she could realize
where she was hand was rudely
placed over her mouth. and she felt a
jerk at her watch and chain. then few
steps. blow. an angry curse. and low.
gentle. Calm yourself. madam All
this happened SO quickly that she was
confused, but the quiet voice assured
her. She looked up and saw dark form
stretched on the pavement and some
zone bending over it in a threatening
attitude. The next moment her deliv-
serer came toward her and repeated his
assurance of safety. The man on the
pavement moved slightly. as if making
ready to spring up. The other caught
glimpse of the fallen revolver, and
just As he stopped down to pick it up the
footpad sprang to his feet and disap-
peared down the dark alley from which
he came. Tie gentleman started after
him. but in a moment returned to the
girls side.
Iii wouldn't pay to follow the rascal.
I'm afraid. You will permit me,
madame. to accompany you homer"
She cast grateful look at the tall
form at her side. He stood. looking
down at the pistol in his hand, in ali
-abstracted way.
How can l thank you for your
bravery" she exclaimed in a trem-
oling voice. rs she put out her little
.yoved hand toward him. He took it,
but in an instant let it slip from his
grasp. She felt that his hand was
cold. and it seemed TO her that faint
-shudder ran through him as their
hands met.
BE assured. madame. that was no
heroic deed. These wretches are cow
ardly fellows cowardiy - ike-my-
self"
The first words were spoken in an
distracted. Indifferent tone, but the
last words were spoken slowly and in
tone SO full of bitterness and contempt
that the girl started back in fear. APP
parently he had unconsciously spoken
what was passing in his mind without
realizing II Then drew his left hand
across his forehead As if just aroused
from strange dream. showed his pistol
liz his pocket, and said in a lighter
tone:
Excuse my abstraction. Allow me
10 offer You my arm"
He walked along silently at her side.
She glanced up at him shyly. He was
tall and of good form But his pale
face. set off by his black beard. his
deep eyes. his whole bearing showed
sn the plainest way traces of sorrow
and great mental and bodily suffering.
''Iou have saved me, bu, you are
unhappy: what is it,"
She felt his arm tremble as she spoke.
YES. / am unhappy; but it is some
comfort that You have given me the
chance to do one last solitary good
deed"
lone last good deed! Please tell me
what You mean"
SWELL, what is. the use of conceaing
it. cant cover it up if would. Ii
has too strong hold of me. You can
read it in my face. Ifeel that every
man sees it / said I was coward.
And It was because am a coward that
I saved you. Only an hour ago l stood
by the river and looked down into the
black water-but no! Twas too cow
.arily to make tho leap. Igaye myself